Shock Absorber replacement & repair made easy

The shock absorber is a component of the suspension system that evens out the irregularities of the road surface the car navigates. It is mounted on one side to the car's chassis or body and on the other to one of the wheel's wishbones.

Essentially, the shock absorber consists of a tube filled with gas or oil that is compressed by a piston. It essentially dissipates the kinetic energy generated by the road.

• The mechanic will test drive the car to establish the possible cause of the problem.
• The mechanic will inspect the suspension system and shock absorbers in detail.
• If necessary, the mechanic will replace the worn or broken shock absorber.
• The mechanic will advise if other components need to be replaced.
• The mechanic will check the suspension again and test drive the car.
• If necessary, the mechanic will make adjustments.

Unless you are a qualified mechanic with the required skills, training and equipment to do the job, we strongly recommend a shock absorbers replacement is only carried out by a professional mechanic. ClickMechanic can help get you a vetted and local mechanic to carry out the work. Just enter your postcode and your car's registration number at the top of this page and select the work needed to get an instant fixed price up front.

• When the car bounces on excessively after driving over a hump or similar.
• When the car feels unstable going through corners or rough services.
• When the impact of navigating over humps is harder than normal.
• When there is a puddle of oil-like fluid underneath the car near a wheel.
• When the tyres lose touch with the ground after a shock absorption.

A front shock absorbers replacement on average takes around 2 hour, but can take anywhere from around 1.5 hours to 3 hours. A rear shock absorbers replacement takes on average 1 hour, but can range from under 1 hour to 2 hours. Ultimately, the time that the job will take will depend on a number of factors, like your vehicle's make and model, year, as well as other factors. Select your car at the top of this page for information on job time and cost for your vehicle through ClickMechanic.

Always service the shock absorbers as and when stipulated in the guidelines set out by your car's manufacturer. Should you experience problems with a shock absorber then it is advisable to have the system inspected and, if necessary, have the bad shock absorber replaced.

Over time, a shock absorber's condition can deteriorate due to the fact that it is in constant use when the car is driven. Eventually, it can be that fluid or gas starts to leak out of the shock absorber which can, for example, be due to a leaking valve inside. A bad shock absorber will cause an unstable ride, through corners.

Equally, it can be that the car rocks excessively when going over humps or when stopping the car, bouncing for a prolonged period after the actual shock absorption. Issues with the shock absorbers that are not addressed can lead to a variety of other, more expensive, issues; among which is excessive tyre wear. It is therefore important to address issues with the shock absorber timely and professionally to ensure an optimal ride and prevent further damage.

Driving with a broken shock absorber will mean that the vehicle is unable to absorb the shocks from the road as you drive which could furthermore cause damage to other components on the car. Furthermore it could lead to a loss of control of the vehicle as the vehicle will not handle as intended. If you experience any untoward characteristics in the handling of your vehicle, or if you suspect there is any issue with a shock absorber or there are concerns about its age or condition, book a diagnostic inspection with a professional mechanic immediately and do not drive the vehicle. A mechanic can check and advise on next steps.

Over time, the seals and components of a shock absorber can degrade, leading to fluid leaks and reduced performance. In some cases, a shock absorber can also become damaged due to a collision or other external forces.

Yes, shock absorbers along with the entire suspension system is checked during an annual MOT test.

If a shock absorber is found to no longer have adequate damping effect, the bush is excessively worn or is not attached securely then it will be categorised as a major fault, which means your vehicle will fail the MOT.

A leaking shock absorber is not an MOT failure, but it is something that should be fixed as soon as possible. A leaking shock absorber can cause a rough ride and excessive noise from the suspension. Sometimes, if the leak is very obvious and severe, then there is a chance the vehicle could fail an MOT.

It is recommended to replace shock absorbers across the axle at the same time, so both shocks at the front or both at the rear of the vehicle. This will help ensure the vehicle's suspension system is evenly balanced. This will ensure that the vehicle rides smoothly and does not experience any uneven wear and tear.

It is not safe to drive with a leaking shock absorber. If the fluid leaks out, the shock absorber will not be able to dampen the movement of the suspension, which can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle. You should get it checked and replaced as soon as possible.

Driving with bad struts can be dangerous as they provide support for the vehicle’s suspension and can affect the alignment of the wheels. This can lead to difficulty steering and increased braking distances.

It is not recommended to drive a car with bad shocks, as they can cause a number of problems. Bad shocks can cause the car to bounce around on the road, making it difficult to control. They can also cause the tires to wear out prematurely and can cause the suspension to wear out as well. It is a safety hazard for the driver so it is recommended to get them replaced as soon as possible to avoid any further damage to the suspension system

If the front shock absorbers are leaking or damaged, it is highly recommended that you replace both of them at the same time. This will help ensure that your vehicle's suspension system is evenly balanced.